Purpose
Students will discuss and clarify myths regarding smokeless tobacco usage, addiction, and adverse health effects.
Preparation
Educators will use the online site, Poll Everywhere, to create an online poll for their class.
o Other options are www.mentimeter.com or www.plickers.com. Plickers uses cards with QR codes so it only requires the facilitator to have a device, not each individual student. All of these resources are free.
If you prefer not to use Poll Everywhere, check out the other possible alternate activities. Modified activity instructions are listed below under “Modified Activities"
Materials Needed: Students will need individual electronic devices (cell phone, tablet, or any electronic devices that can access internet)
Handout: Smokeless Tobacco Myth Activity Worksheet (Optional)
Procedure
1. As a class, students will explore 10 common myths about smokeless tobacco usage, addiction, and adverse health effects.
2. Using Poll Everywhere technology, educators will be able to poll students on whether or not they believe statements are myth or fact. Poll Everywhere technology will provide real-time visual data for students to see each other’s anonymous responses.
3. After each statement, the instructor will lead a discussion on why students choose fact or myth.
Teacher Talking Points:
- Today we will be exploring some common myths about smokeless tobacco usage, addiction, and adverse health effects. To do this we will be conducting polls using an electronic device.
- Please take out your cellphone, iPad, or computer. If you are using a device that you can message, please send ___ to ____. You can also send in responses via the internet. If you would prefer to use the internet, please go to this URL ________________.
- When I say go, we will read the statement together as a class and then please send in your answer. All of your answers are anonymous.
Instructions for Educators
o Lead the class through each of the following statements and explanations. See table below for statements and their corresponding justifications.
o After each polling, ask one student to volunteer who answered myth and one student who answered fact to justify their answer.
o If time permits, divide students into groups of 3 or 4 and ask them to come up with 1-2 additional myths they are not sure about and research them online and share with the class.
Modified Activity #1: Alternative Polling
- Instead of polling students with Poll Everywhere, you can have student physically move from around the room to create a real time poll.
- To complete this alternate lesson, post a “Fact” sign on one side of the room and a “Myth” sign on the other. Clear a space in your classroom for students to walk from one side to another as you read out the statements listed in the above table.
Modified Activity #2: Student Inquiry
- To complete this alternative activity, students will need access to a computer and the internet.
- In small groups or individually, students can complete research and fill out the Smokeless Tobacco Myth Activity worksheet.
- After students have completed the worksheet, have students share their answers and research.
Modified Activity #3: Homework Activity
- To complete this alternative activity, student will need access to a computer and the internet outside of classroom time.
- Students take home and complete the Tobacco Myth Activity worksheet independently for homework.
- Upon returning to class, ask students share their answers and research.
